Help on grey sandstone

[AlanSandstone]

Hi-hopefully someone can advise, as getting differing answers on Google.

I have grey sandstone slabs laid 3 years ago... They were 'sealed' at the time. Not sure with what, but I think impregnator. (First few months, some grease marks seemed to show up, if that indicates?).

Anyway, I've probably power hosed every 4-6 months, and up to now, when I did, came back as brand new. I probably left them longer this time, and was away for 2 months where lot of leaves I guess rotting on particular area. Just power hosed, and came up good, but not as good as before. The area at the bottom garden where water collects/takes longer to dry, are still quite dirty looking, some small black spots, etc.
I presume maybe the original sealer has lost its effect.

My questions:

1. Is there a cleaner product or homemade that will bring it back a bit more? I read solution with some bleach, but would that not discolour or damage the stone?
2. Once cleaner, what sealer/impregnator recommended?

Really appreciate any thought

[London Stone Paving]

Hello Alan

Outdoor cleaner from lithofin is very good for removing any kind of vegetation marks. If you Google it I am sure you will be able to find a local stockist.

As regard for re-sealing it the first advise is to use an impregnator and not a topical sealant

As regards which product the two I am most familiar with are Dry Treat Stain proof and Lithofin Stain Stop. Both are established products with a good track record

Are you planning to seal yourself?

Cheers
Steve

[AlanSandstone]

That's great, thanks. Both those products I see on Amazon. As for sealing myself, yes, that was the plan. It was originally laid and sealed by contractor recommended by the supplier of the stone... But, yes, was planning doing myself. Is that unwise?

[London Stone Paving]

no not really, as long as you do your homework.

We have sealing guides. If you PM me your email address I will email one across to you

Cheers

Steve

[AlanSandstone]

Just a little update and check... I rang the company that had supplied my slab (s&n granite in camolin Wexford) and while they don't have Lithofin, they have a cleaner (stone tex?) and sealer which you had recommended (dry treat)..... While I was on to them, I just doubled checked it was sandstone (I was working out of the country when wife&father in law purchased, and was to,d it was sandstone, but from researching how to clean was a little unsure)... In fact it's a honed limestone 700x500x30.. It's certainly not (and never was) blank., it's a grey/blue. Might have lightened a little maybe but is very consistent. Just wanted to check that my proposed cleaning and sealing material is ok with this type of stone. They seemed to know what they were talking about, but just to be sure......

[London Stone Paving]

Never heard of stone tex. just googled it and couldn't find anything so not able to give any advice on it. Lithofin outdoor cleaner is very good at removing organic marks, so I would stick with that personally. Dry treat is absolutely fine for limestone

[AlanSandstone]

Thanks again for the reply. It may have been stone tech, which I can see reference of on Google... But, tubs&tiles have the Lithofin and is on my commute, so I'll get that, and get the impregnator from the other crowd. Thanks agin

[London Stone Paving]

No worries, if you need any further advice just ask. Also if you get the chance can you post some before and after piccies as it will be helpful to other site users who may have the same issue in the future

Cheers

Steve

[higgness]

http://www.stonedoctors.ie/product/stontex-multi-clean/

Reference for stonetex. Their multi-cleaner is great.

[Tony McC]

Natural Stoneyard at Asbourne, Co. Meath might have the Lithofin range.

The Stontex site gives no info on the chemistry of the various products. I'd not be happy buying products with no MSDS or Tech Data Sheet. No 'bricks-and-mortar address given for this "Stone Doctor", either!

[AlanSandstone]

Yes I'll go with Lithofin, in tubs&tiles in sandy ford, and the dry treat from s&n granite. Thanks for help. Will load up before/after pictures once the weather dries enough to allow me do it!

[AlanSandstone]

Hi ... I've been having trouble sourcing the Lithofin in Ireland. Can anyone give any view on this product in the link below. I have a lgrey blue limestone, and I'm worried this will lighten it?



http://www.stonemerchant.ie/paving....re.html

[higgness]

Sandstone Cleaner 5 litre

I assume this is what you are asking about?
I have used and sell this, very good product.
As with all cleaners, try on a small area, leave for a few days, just in case. It will destroy your clothes, and is not good with metal.

Wet area, shake out some, scrub in, leave for 10/15mins (do not let it dry off, dull days are better), water off. Repeat if necessary.

[higgness]

Try Ardex Ireland 01 8809210 for the lithofin